Horseback Tour in cusco to Temple of the Moon & Hidden temples

Cusco’s Temple of the Moon is close to the city, but reaching it on horseback makes the place feel far removed from the main sightseeing circuit. You ride through open Andean countryside, pass old stone sites, and look back toward Cusco from high ground before leaving the horses for a short walk among the ruins.

I like the way this tour combines a real countryside ride with ancient sites in one compact outing. I also like the small-group format, beginner-friendly horses, and the fact that transport from your Cusco hotel is included. The main drawback is that two hours in the saddle can feel long if you are not used to riding, and a faster trot or gallop can be bumpy.

Key points at a glance

• Temple of the Moon on horseback: Ride close to Cusco, then explore Amaru Marca Wasi on foot.
• Good for beginners: A short riding lesson and calm horses make this suitable for people with little experience.
• Guides who add context: Holger is praised for clear English, local history, and a thoughtful approach to the sacred sites.
• A compact half-day plan: The ride lasts about two hours, with another 30 minutes at the temple.
• Useful practical limits: The minimum age is eight, the weight limit is 90 kilos or 200 pounds, and the group can reach 15 people.
• Weather matters: Rain can cancel the ride, so keep a flexible day in your Cusco schedule.

Why this ride works so well from Cusco

The biggest appeal is the contrast. Cusco can feel busy and intense, with narrow streets, tour groups, traffic, and a long list of major sights. At the ranch, you trade that for a horse, open views, and a slower way to reach old ceremonial places.

The riding area is described as roughly 25 minutes outside Cusco, so you do not lose a full day getting there. That matters if you are fitting this between a city walk, a market visit, or a larger trip through the Sacred Valley. With hotel pickup and drop-off by private car, you also avoid arranging a taxi to an unfamiliar ranch.

You should allow more than the advertised two hours and 30 minutes for the full outing. The riding and temple visit take about that long, while pickup, the road to the ranch, preparation, and the return trip can bring the total closer to three and a half hours.

The maximum group size is 15. That is not a private ride, but it is small enough to keep the outing fairly relaxed, especially compared with a large coach excursion. The group size may affect the pace, so do not book this expecting a private riding lesson or a full day of fast riding.

Getting comfortable at Vieja Estancia Ranch

The riding begins at Vieja Estancia Ranch, the base for half-day, full-day, and multi-day horse trips in the Andes. For this outing, you spend about two hours in the saddle.

You receive a saddle and safety helmet, and a muleteer accompanies the group to care for the horses. A short introduction helps first-time riders understand how to sit, hold the reins, and guide the horse. That early explanation is important because several people with little or no riding experience have found the horses manageable.

I would still be honest with yourself about your comfort level. You do not need riding experience, but you do need to be comfortable sitting on a horse for a substantial stretch of time. The route includes ordinary walking, and the pace may also include a trot or short gallop when conditions allow. A faster section can be thrilling, but it can also feel jarring, especially if this is your first ride.

Wear long trousers, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Skip jewelry and anything valuable. A rain jacket belongs in your daypack if the forecast shows a reasonable chance of rain. Cusco weather can change quickly, and this is an outdoor activity with no useful shelter once you are out on the route.

Water is included, but you should still dress for sun and changing temperatures. No special riding equipment is listed beyond the saddle and helmet, so practical clothing matters more than appearance.

The two-hour route through the Andean countryside

Once you leave the ranch, the ride takes you along paths with views toward Cusco and the surrounding hills. The appeal here is not speed. It is the chance to see the area from a higher, quieter position and reach stone sites that are easy to miss when you stay on the usual city route.

The horses are described as well trained and well cared for, which makes a real difference for beginners. You can focus on the views and the guide rather than worrying about every movement of the animal. The muleteer’s role is also useful, since the guide can talk with the group while another staff member stays focused on the horses.

The route includes ruins behind Sacsayhuaman, giving the ride a strong sense of place. You are not simply riding in a field and adding a photo stop afterward. The old stone remains are part of the route, and the guide explains the cultural setting as you go.

The scenery is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You may see broad views across the Cusco area, high ridges, and the Andean countryside close to the city. The ride gives you a change of pace from museums and formal archaeological sites, though the ground may be uneven and the ride can be physically tiring.

If you have never ridden before, ask for help early and be clear about your comfort level. The horses can walk at a calm pace, but the group may also have a chance to trot or gallop. Riders with different abilities may not all want the same speed, so this is worth discussing before setting out.

Temple of the Moon and Amaru Marca Wasi

After about two hours, you leave the horses and walk around the Temple of the Moon, also known as Amaru Marca Wasi. The visit lasts around 30 minutes.

This site is considered one of Cusco’s important mystical places and sits on the north side of the city. Its appeal is not the size of a major fortress. Instead, it is the feeling of a ceremonial place close to the city, with carved stone and natural surroundings that invite a quieter visit.

The guide’s role matters most here. Holger is repeatedly praised for his clear English, friendly manner, and explanations of the land and Inca sites. He is also described as treating the place with respect rather than rushing through a list of facts. That suits the Temple of the Moon, where the atmosphere is part of the experience.

Do not expect a long archaeological lecture or an extended site visit. Thirty minutes is enough for an introduction and a walk around, but it will feel brief if you want to study every stone. The ride is the main activity, with the temple serving as a meaningful stop rather than the whole reason to book.

Some of the route may feel a little intimidating, particularly on a ridge or uneven section. The horses are familiar with the path, and the guide gives warnings before sections that may look worrying. Still, you should be comfortable with outdoor terrain and heights before booking.

What makes the guides and horses important

A good horse operation can turn a nervous first ride into a pleasant afternoon. The guides associated with this experience are praised for giving clear instructions, speaking strong English, and explaining local history without making beginners feel out of place.

Holger is singled out for his calm teaching style and his connection to the area. He has guided families, couples, solo riders, and groups of friends, including people riding for the first time. His approach appears especially useful if your group has mixed experience.

The horses are another major strength. They are described as healthy, well trained, and able to handle both the quiet walking sections and the occasional faster pace. That does not remove the normal risks of horseback riding, but it does make the activity more approachable.

I would not treat this as a guaranteed private ride at your preferred speed. A group of up to 15 people may include confident riders and complete beginners. The guide needs to keep everyone together, and the final pace can depend on the group, weather, and trail conditions.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, this is a reasonable price for a short Cusco outing that includes hotel transport, a private car, a professional guide, a muleteer, helmet, saddle, bottled water, the ranch ride, and the Temple of the Moon visit.

The value comes from the combination. Booking transport, finding a ranch, arranging horses, and locating the less familiar ruins on your own would take more effort. You also get local interpretation at places that may be difficult to understand if you simply arrive without context.

The price makes less sense if all you want is a fast horse ride with no cultural stop. It also may not suit you if you prefer a full-day excursion with several large archaeological sites. This is a compact experience, best used as a half-day addition to a Cusco stay.

The cancellation terms are friendly if your plans remain flexible. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather can also cancel the activity, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book this experience

I would recommend it to you if you want to get outside Cusco without committing to a full-day trek. It is especially suitable for:

• First-time riders who want instruction and a calm introduction
• Families with children age eight or older
• Couples looking for a quiet outdoor activity
• Friends who want a little speed and open-country riding
• Solo visitors who prefer organized transport and a guide
• Anyone interested in lesser-known Inca sites near Sacsayhuaman

It is less suitable if you dislike horses, have trouble sitting for two hours, or want a polished archaeological tour with long, detailed site visits. The outing is active and outdoors, and the route can include uneven or slightly intimidating sections.

The 90-kilo or 200-pound weight limit is firm, so check this before booking. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, but the riding portion still requires basic physical comfort on horseback.

How to fit it into a Cusco itinerary

This is a smart choice early or midway through a Cusco stay. It gives you a break from city walking and lets you see the area from a different angle without using an entire day.

You may want to avoid placing it immediately before an important evening commitment. Pickup and return times can vary, and the ride itself may run longer for a group that needs extra instruction. Give yourself breathing room after the scheduled end.

The experience also works well before or after visiting Sacsayhuaman, since the route reaches ruins in that area. Do not assume the horseback outing replaces a full visit to Cusco’s major archaeological sites. Think of it as a smaller, more personal look at the countryside and ceremonial places around the city.

Should you book the Temple of the Moon horseback tour?

Book it if you want a short escape from Cusco, enjoy the idea of riding through Andean countryside, and like the thought of pairing a horse ride with lesser-known ruins. The combination of transport, equipment, guide, horses, and a 30-minute Temple of the Moon visit gives the $65 price solid value.

Skip it if you are uneasy around horses, need a fully gentle walking tour, or want a long archaeological program. For everyone else, this is one of the better ways to add open views, local history, and a little adventure to a Cusco itinerary without giving up a whole day.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour last?

The planned experience lasts about two hours and 30 minutes. This includes roughly two hours of horseback riding and 30 minutes walking around the Temple of the Moon. Pickup and return transportation add extra time.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience is designed for people with little or no horseback riding experience, and an introductory lesson is provided. You should still feel comfortable sitting on a horse for about two hours.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is eight years old.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is 90 kilos or 200 pounds.

What should I wear?

Wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Bring a rain jacket if rain is likely. Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables during the ride.

Is transportation from Cusco included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the ranch is included, using a private car.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.